Suspect in HB theft jailed in Sarasota

A suspect in the rip-off of a Holmes Beach couple was in a Sarasota County jail, as of Islander press time.

Catherine Theresa O’Malley, 48, was arrested shortly after midnight Feb. 25 near the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and U.S. 41 in Sarasota, according to a Sarasota Police Department arrest report.

In mid-March, she was convicted of three offenses dating back to a December 2010 case — fraud, presenting a false ID to a law enforcement officer and possession of narcotics/narcotics equipment.

O’Malley also is facing grand theft, a third-degree felony charge filed against her March 9 in Sarasota County. Court records identified her as homeless and a waitress.

Meanwhile, in Manatee County, the Holmes Beach Police Department has named O’Malley as a suspect in the 2010 case of a stolen car, jewelry and other possessions from the home she was hired to watch by Barbara and David Hines of Holmes Beach.

The Hines had hired O’Malley to take care of their pets and home while they were vacationing in Europe late last year.

O’Malley, in police documents, is accused of grand theft, a felony.

“The defendant knowingly obtained the property of another with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of their right to the property,” the report stated.

The Hines had trouble with their bank accounts while traveling, and when they returned they learned of checks cashed on their accounts and that numerous items were missing from their residence, the largest being a Mazda Miata.

“The victim’s bank fraud department has images showing the defendant cashing and attempting to cash the stolen checks throughout the area,” HBPD reported. “The total amount for the items that were stolen is $23,213.”

The Miata, was found in Bradenton in February and turned over to the insurance company. Some of their possessions were found in the trunk of the recovered auto.

Soon after the theft, the HBPD issued an all-points-bulletin for the vehicle, as well as an arrest warrant for O’Malley.